By the River Piedra I Sat Down and Wept Author:Paulo Coelho What happens when shyness prevents an adolescent love affair from developing? And what happens when, 11 years later, destiny brings the lovers together again? Pilar is now an independent and strong young woman who has learnt to bury her feelings. She is studying at a small-town university when she receives an unexpected call from her old childho... more »od sweetheart. He is now a handsome spiritual teacher - with a reputation for performing miracles - who has turned to religion as a refuge from his inner conflicts.
Together they take a journey that is initially fraught with difficulty as blame and resentment resurface after years of being hidden. But by the River Piedra, in a small village in the French Pyrenees, they find a way to discuss many of life's big questions and re-evaluate their own special relationship.
By the River Piedra is a wonderful novel, with a poetic and transcendent narrative, that reflects all the mysteries of love and life.« less
A mythical romantic adventure that teaches the secrets of life and love and of suffering and healing through spiritual communion by the author of The Alchemist. This is a beautiful story.
Gabrielle O. reviewed By the River Piedra I Sat Down and Wept on
I really have enjoyed many of Coehlo's work inthe past. While this book does not compare to one of my favorites, The Alchemist, it does have some interesting points such as the themes of faith, love, and following your dreams. I also enjoyed some of the stories within and the "quotables" which I will use, but it does not live up to his other titles.
Nonetheless, if you enjoy this genre. You shouldn't skip it.
I would give this book three stars. Not as engaging as The alchemist. I ordered it because it says one of the themes is forgiveness, but I didn't really see that. I liked O'Henry's The Gift of the Magi better as a rendition of the story of two people sacrificing for each other, only to find that they had sacrificed the one thing that would make the gift they received one of value.
A very spiritual novel. Pilar, a young scholar feeling hopeless and worn down by life, is contacted by a childhood friend--who is now a charismatic spiritual leader. What follows is a moving story about the unfolding of their relationship, and the impact it has on Pilar. A delightful book.
Patricia S. (mountainreader) reviewed By the River Piedra I Sat Down and Wept on + 113 more book reviews 